Upcoming Bilateral: What should I expect?
Thank you for your help... everyone here seems to be very real and helpful so I keep coming back to this site to see how everyone is doing. Kristi
Comments
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Upcoming bilateral
Do not under any circumstance allow your doctor to tell you that you will be able to go home after the surgery! I had my left breast removed and was in the hospital overnight, this was my decision as I hate hospitals. I was told by my doctors that I would be allowed to leave only if I was progressing well. Plan on staying at least two days, and then decide if you feel well enough to leave.
As for the drains you will be emptying them yourself, I had my drains for about 5 days, it just depends on what your doctor wants.
You just need to take things one day at a time, you will recover at your own pace.
Just in case you were not aware, you may opt to have immediate reconstructive surgery (they place an expander that a plastic surgeon will fill slowly with saline), I opted for this as it seemed easier to have the surgery done all at once. There is a federal breast law that entitles you to have both breasts reconstructed if you choose to do so, your insurance company has to pay for this.
My thoughts are with you, remember to stay positive and strong, it will help in your recovery.0 -
Yes, take each day as it
Yes, take each day as it comes, Kristi.
I had a bilateral mastectomy in April of 2008. I was in the hospital for two days - thank goodness. We are each different, so it's hard to know what will be right for you. Ask lots of questions....bring a tape recorder and/or a friend with you to your appointments, pre and post surgery.
Drains: I know some women whose husbands or friends or nurses emptied their drains. I emptied my drains myself and although at first I felt incompetent and unsure of myself, it really wasn't that difficult. It seems to me I came up with some tricks to keep them out of the way and safe in the shower - I'm sure someone will chime in with suggestions. I wore big t's and pinned the drain ends to the inside of my shirt during the day. I think the drains were removed after a couple of weeks.
It is amazing how fast we heal. Take good care of yourself, your shoulders, and your arms. When you have lymph nodes removed, it is important to learn about preventing lymphedema.
Most of all...know that you can do this and that you will be fine. You have come to a place where you will be supported every step of the way.
xoxoxoxo Lynn0 -
Hi Kristi.
Sorry to hear
Hi Kristi.
Sorry to hear about your surgery. I had my bilateral (with immediate tissue expanders put in place) on Feb 16th. I was in hospital 3 nights/4 days. I was glad i was too! Sounds like things here in the UK are a little different to the US. We don't empty our drains ourselves.Our drains have markers and you just let them drain,but record how much fluid has drained each day. I had a total of 4 drains in place-2 each side. 3 of them were removed the morning i got discharged and i went home with the 4th one in. That got removed day 7 post-op.
It's not a nice operation,but it wasn't as bad as i was expecting.If you keep up with the pain med's and take stool softeners (to combat constipation caused by pain med's) then i'm sure you'll do fine.
Make sure before surgery you move things at home to within reach as you won't be able to stretch up high of lift heavy stuff for a while.Make sure you start doing the physio exercises the day after surgery.REAL IMPORTANT.There is a thread on here somewher with a whole list of the exercises we're given in the UK and on my profile page,in the 'expressions' section,i put the photo's on out of the physio book to explain how to do them. Your PS should give you something similar,but if he doesn't, feel free to use these ones.
I am still off work from my surgery.This is my 11th week off.I expected to go back after 9 weeks but due to the nature of my job,i can't go back until i'm fully able to do my work properly and for my usual hours. I am waiting until all my expansions are finished.
Just try and prepare as best you can.Freeze meals.accept all help that's offered.Dont rush back to work before you're ready as if you hurt yourself straining yourself,you'll end up being off even longer.
If you have any other question,feel free to ask.We'll all offer what ever info we have
All the best,
Kay xoxo0 -
Hi Kristi
I did not want to stay in the hospital, but my doctor insisted. I did not sleep and was constantly interrupted. I told the nurse at 3 a.m. make sure you bring me breakfast, because I am going to be discharged today! I stayed only one night and was discharged as soon as the MD came by in the morning. I was able to rest easier at home and my hubby was there to support me if I needed help. Disclaimer: I have worked in hospital med/surg wards and know how noisy it is.
The drains are surprisingly easy to manage, the only thing is they are very bothersome with movement and sleep. Mine came out at 10 days and I was SO happy to get them out. I felt very well after about 3 days, and went to Costco on day 4. I do hope you have someone at home to help with even the simple things. I was not to reach above my shoulder, and guess where the coffee and coffee cups were? When my hubby went back to work I asked him to move things so I could reach them throughout the day.
Everyone is different, and follow your MD's recommendations. There is a wealth of information available on this sight, and feel free to ask any questions. This is a very nerve racking time but you will do great! Best of Luck - Carrie0 -
Welcome, Kristi
I agree with what everyone has said here -- especially, I do not believe it would be a good idea to go home the same day as surgery! I do NOT think that is normally done. You may be groggy, need help managing pain, need support on the toilet, etc. that first day and night!
Best wishes to you! Take it easy and allow yourself to rest and heal.0 -
Good Luck!
My understanding from my surgery is that if you have immediate reconstruction (which I did) that you can anticipate more pain than if you have just the bilateral mastectomy done. Both my oncologist and my surgeon said that the mastectomies are now often same day surgery. But I will say that no one pushed me to go home. I ended up staying overnight on patient controlled analgesia. The next day we were having heavy snow storms that I didn't want my family driving in, so I asked to be discharged. I did fine with the oral pain medication at home. The only problem was getting comfortable in bed so I ended up sleeping in a recliner which helped tremendously.
I had 5 drains - a couple came out in a few days and the last two took a month. The PS required that the drainage be below a certain level to make sure I wouldn't swell up and have more pain. Although my family emptied the drains for me initially, I could have handled them myself. I also kept them pinned inside my clothes so there was no pull on them.
Listen carefully to your doctors, depending upon the surgery, they may not want you doing much of anything with your arms initially. I was kept on not reaching overhead until my visit after my last drains came out because it can increase drainage and swelling but they will tell you what to do.
Best of luck to you!0 -
Wishing you the best of luckJinx721 said:Upcoming bilateral
Do not under any circumstance allow your doctor to tell you that you will be able to go home after the surgery! I had my left breast removed and was in the hospital overnight, this was my decision as I hate hospitals. I was told by my doctors that I would be allowed to leave only if I was progressing well. Plan on staying at least two days, and then decide if you feel well enough to leave.
As for the drains you will be emptying them yourself, I had my drains for about 5 days, it just depends on what your doctor wants.
You just need to take things one day at a time, you will recover at your own pace.
Just in case you were not aware, you may opt to have immediate reconstructive surgery (they place an expander that a plastic surgeon will fill slowly with saline), I opted for this as it seemed easier to have the surgery done all at once. There is a federal breast law that entitles you to have both breasts reconstructed if you choose to do so, your insurance company has to pay for this.
My thoughts are with you, remember to stay positive and strong, it will help in your recovery.
Wishing you the best of luck Kristi with your surgery!
Hugs, Diane0 -
I had a lumpectomy Kristi,Christine Louise said:Welcome, Kristi
I agree with what everyone has said here -- especially, I do not believe it would be a good idea to go home the same day as surgery! I do NOT think that is normally done. You may be groggy, need help managing pain, need support on the toilet, etc. that first day and night!
Best wishes to you! Take it easy and allow yourself to rest and heal.
I had a lumpectomy Kristi, but, want to wish you good luck and praying you heal fast.0 -
Kristi,
I had bilateral
Kristi,
I had bilateral surgery on April 16th. I went home the next day. My husband or I usually emptied and measured the drains each day. After the first time, it's not so bad. I also had a makeshift belt that I tied around my waist so I could pin the drains on while I took a shower. I had them in 11 days. Yesterday was two weeks and I seem to be getting stronger each day. I also have a pretty tall bed so I bought steps that toddlers use to wash their hands. It was a godsend. Your arms are what are sore, and I never realized how much we use them constantly.
Good Luck. You will do great! God Bless.
Jan0 -
Thanks for all your helpm-star said:Hi Kristi.
Sorry to hear
Hi Kristi.
Sorry to hear about your surgery. I had my bilateral (with immediate tissue expanders put in place) on Feb 16th. I was in hospital 3 nights/4 days. I was glad i was too! Sounds like things here in the UK are a little different to the US. We don't empty our drains ourselves.Our drains have markers and you just let them drain,but record how much fluid has drained each day. I had a total of 4 drains in place-2 each side. 3 of them were removed the morning i got discharged and i went home with the 4th one in. That got removed day 7 post-op.
It's not a nice operation,but it wasn't as bad as i was expecting.If you keep up with the pain med's and take stool softeners (to combat constipation caused by pain med's) then i'm sure you'll do fine.
Make sure before surgery you move things at home to within reach as you won't be able to stretch up high of lift heavy stuff for a while.Make sure you start doing the physio exercises the day after surgery.REAL IMPORTANT.There is a thread on here somewher with a whole list of the exercises we're given in the UK and on my profile page,in the 'expressions' section,i put the photo's on out of the physio book to explain how to do them. Your PS should give you something similar,but if he doesn't, feel free to use these ones.
I am still off work from my surgery.This is my 11th week off.I expected to go back after 9 weeks but due to the nature of my job,i can't go back until i'm fully able to do my work properly and for my usual hours. I am waiting until all my expansions are finished.
Just try and prepare as best you can.Freeze meals.accept all help that's offered.Dont rush back to work before you're ready as if you hurt yourself straining yourself,you'll end up being off even longer.
If you have any other question,feel free to ask.We'll all offer what ever info we have
All the best,
Kay xoxo
I'm not sure how or if there is a way to acknowledge each of you via one follow-up post to thank you for your suggestions, support, and sisterhood. I thought I was okay with my decision but I couldn't sleep last night and I have come to realize that I still have more questions to ask before I allow the bilateral. I will be very busy next week contacting all my doctors... this time I am going to tell them what I want and have them figure out how to make it happen for me without risking my health.I am more than willing to do my part so they need to meet me half-way.
Thanks again... xoxo Kristi0 -
It is good to get all ofXO143XO said:Thanks for all your help
I'm not sure how or if there is a way to acknowledge each of you via one follow-up post to thank you for your suggestions, support, and sisterhood. I thought I was okay with my decision but I couldn't sleep last night and I have come to realize that I still have more questions to ask before I allow the bilateral. I will be very busy next week contacting all my doctors... this time I am going to tell them what I want and have them figure out how to make it happen for me without risking my health.I am more than willing to do my part so they need to meet me half-way.
Thanks again... xoxo Kristi
It is good to get all of your questions answered Kristi and to feel comfortable about the surgery. I hope you will sleep better after you talk to all of your doctors.
Hugs, Diane0 -
Good for youXO143XO said:Thanks for all your help
I'm not sure how or if there is a way to acknowledge each of you via one follow-up post to thank you for your suggestions, support, and sisterhood. I thought I was okay with my decision but I couldn't sleep last night and I have come to realize that I still have more questions to ask before I allow the bilateral. I will be very busy next week contacting all my doctors... this time I am going to tell them what I want and have them figure out how to make it happen for me without risking my health.I am more than willing to do my part so they need to meet me half-way.
Thanks again... xoxo Kristi
Hi Kristi -
I actually asked for one more week to make my decision. I know it was crazy, because I wanted the stupid cancer out, but I was waffling back and forth so much I could not make a decision. One day one decision, the next day another decision. I even went back to the MD and PS twice more and asked for a third opinion. This was my body, and the decision I made would be effecting me forever! I also refused a DIEP procedure and told the MD and PS they were just going to have to find a way to make it work.
Asking for one more week gave me a level of control, but the best thing was when I finally made a decision! I wouldn't say I felt overly calm or even better, but more resolved to beat this beast!
Just remember you are making the best decision you can make with the information you have at the time. Sorry for the sleepless nights, but we have all been there. Good luck with this difficult time!
Hugs - Carrie0 -
Good luck with your surgery!CarrWilson said:Hi Kristi
I did not want to stay in the hospital, but my doctor insisted. I did not sleep and was constantly interrupted. I told the nurse at 3 a.m. make sure you bring me breakfast, because I am going to be discharged today! I stayed only one night and was discharged as soon as the MD came by in the morning. I was able to rest easier at home and my hubby was there to support me if I needed help. Disclaimer: I have worked in hospital med/surg wards and know how noisy it is.
The drains are surprisingly easy to manage, the only thing is they are very bothersome with movement and sleep. Mine came out at 10 days and I was SO happy to get them out. I felt very well after about 3 days, and went to Costco on day 4. I do hope you have someone at home to help with even the simple things. I was not to reach above my shoulder, and guess where the coffee and coffee cups were? When my hubby went back to work I asked him to move things so I could reach them throughout the day.
Everyone is different, and follow your MD's recommendations. There is a wealth of information available on this sight, and feel free to ask any questions. This is a very nerve racking time but you will do great! Best of Luck - Carrie
Good luck with your surgery!
Hugs, Leeza0 -
overnightsXO143XO said:Thanks for all your help
I'm not sure how or if there is a way to acknowledge each of you via one follow-up post to thank you for your suggestions, support, and sisterhood. I thought I was okay with my decision but I couldn't sleep last night and I have come to realize that I still have more questions to ask before I allow the bilateral. I will be very busy next week contacting all my doctors... this time I am going to tell them what I want and have them figure out how to make it happen for me without risking my health.I am more than willing to do my part so they need to meet me half-way.
Thanks again... xoxo Kristi
Kristi,
I only had a right mast but at my cancer center it is standard to stay overnight in case of things like temp, bleeding etc as with any surgery. I had a hematoma and they almost took me back to surgery but wrapped me overnight and that worked. Ask if they will give you a surgical bra some ladies on this site have said they get them at the hospital. if not buy a cami (they will hold 2 tubes in pockets) I emptied my own before I left the hospital. It isn't real hard just a pain in the butt to have them. I wished I had two cami's so I could wash one. they did give me a little pocket on a ribbon which worked great for showers. Take care of your arms, get them raised up and do your exercises as soon as the doctor lets you.
You can change your mind, everyone will tell you it is your decision and sometimes its based on family history or how advanced your cancer is.
Good luck and you are in our thoughts
deb0 -
Kristi,
I had bilateral
Kristi,
I had bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction (tissue expanders) done the same day. I was scheduled to spend one night in the hospital but elected for two. Incisions where the mastectomies were done are numb so no pain there. My rib cage hurt as did breathing but it is very important to do breathing exercises they show you how to do. Also took a valium which helped relaxed the chest muscles and also helped the discomfort. Please stay at least one night. My reconstruction surgeon had me lifting my arms over my head immediately in recovery. Sounds sadistic but actually wasn't bad at all and has helped with the recovery. Drains aren't bad either...just a pain to remember to drain them; nurses will show you how and it is quite easy. I did sleep in a recliner for about 5 days simply because I felt more comfortable than laying flat. Best of luck to you! You will be fine if you put your mind to it...remember...the cancer hopefully will be gone!0 -
Thank Each and Every One of You...
I am so grateful that I found this site which lead me to all of you. You are all amazing and I am in awe of all your kindness and sharing.
I am changing my mind on the bilateral w/o reconstruction. I mentioned somewhere that I was only doing it that way because of what the PS told me. I think he's wrong because he doesn't know me and what I can accomplish when I set my mind to it. My profile sort of explains this... I think. :-) I am blessed to be here. Biggest hugs to all of you and healthy journeys to us all. xoxox0 -
Wishing you the best of luckXO143XO said:Thank Each and Every One of You...
I am so grateful that I found this site which lead me to all of you. You are all amazing and I am in awe of all your kindness and sharing.
I am changing my mind on the bilateral w/o reconstruction. I mentioned somewhere that I was only doing it that way because of what the PS told me. I think he's wrong because he doesn't know me and what I can accomplish when I set my mind to it. My profile sort of explains this... I think. :-) I am blessed to be here. Biggest hugs to all of you and healthy journeys to us all. xoxox
Wishing you the best of luck with your upcoming surgery X0143XO! You need to do what you want to do. Keep us posted on how you do.
Sue
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I cannot imagine going home the same day as a doubleRitzy said:Wishing you the best of luck
Wishing you the best of luck with your upcoming surgery X0143XO! You need to do what you want to do. Keep us posted on how you do.
Sue
mastecomy. I had a single simple mastecomy and stayed overnite and was totally ready to go home the next day. I was given a "trunk" block prior to surgery...three or so shorts given in my back on the side where the surgery will take place...they turn up the happy juice and it's not so bad, but it's heaven as far as the pain afterwards is concerned. Of course I was am still am very numb in that area.
The next morning, when I wa fully awake, the nurse showed my how to drain the drains and gave me a chart to record how much came out of it each time ...my drain was in approx 10 days. I think the drain is the worst part for sleeping etc.
I would have a nice long chat with my surgeon if I were you, same day bi-lateral mastectomy surgery is barbaric.
PS I can honestly say it was anywhere near as painful as I though it would be.
Keep us posted, good luck
Hugs, Judy :-)0
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